Original post HERE.
Hey all, just thought I’d post an update. Sad to say it, but insurance has written my bike off as a Total Loss. The front end is mangled just enough that their inspector said frame damage was basically guaranteed around the steering column. It’s a bleeding tragedy, but my bike is off to the great Hog Meet in the Sky.
As for me, I’m handling it as best I can. Ankle is healing up, and my shoulder is almost back to normal. Yippee! I’ll be buying a new bike sometime this week, a 2012 VStrom with some 30K miles on it, for $2500 from a friend. As much as I wish I could keep it, this is the end of the road for my SR400.
Finally, I’d again like to remind people to wear All The Gear, All The Time. Even with everything that’s happened, I got off easy because my gear saved me. Wear the gear, even if it looks silly, because it’ll help save your life.
Glad to hear you’re on the mend. RIP the bike
Usually it’s the forks that get bent - they’ll give long before the frame or triple-clamps.
I had this happen on one bike, bought the bike back from insurance for very little (they just reduced my payout), replaced a couple small things (turn signal, handlebars), then figured out how each fork was bent and rotated them in the claps until it ran straight.
Rode that bike for another 10 years.
Today you may be able to find forks online for a decent price, or in a forum. I can for my current bike.
Yeah I’m sure I could do that, find new forks and fix it up, but if the frame really is damaged, I don’t want to take the risk. It’s worth more to me to take the money and run, especially for a VStrom. I DO love the bike, and if I get a chance down the line, I’ll buy another for day-to-day commuting, but for now, I have to move on.
ATGATT 100% agree for when you go down, but to stay up you gotta practice practice practice. Any butthead with hands can twist the throttle, but being good and confident with your brakes and choosing good lines all come from practice. Take it to a parking lot and do circles and 8s til you puke. Practice emergency braking every single ride (when it’s safe to, of course). There are lots of great books that will totally improve your skills, these are my faves:
- Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch
- Total Control by Lee Parks
- Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough Ride safe, people!
One downvote for crash and total. Ain’t nobody want to see that happen to another rider. Two upvotes for being okay/recovering and getting a new bike! But seriously, glad you’re on the mend. If you have physical therapy exercises, keep them up even if things no longer hurt.
Which Vstrom are you getting?
Awesome! Have a '13 myself with about the same mileage. Love it so much.
2012 DL650A. Roughly 30K miles, well loved, well maintained.
@Dogiedog64 noooooooooo
Bro I know, it’s brutal.
you can usually negotiate to pay for repairs instead of the whole bike, and not have to scrap it entirely. not sure how it would work in your jurisdiction, but worth looking into if you haven’t already.
